Dental Nurse

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Purpose

The duties of the Dental Nurse are designed to maintain clinical and professional standards within the practice by working productively within a team.

We offer comprehensive treatment for vulnerable groups subject to their meeting the service eligibility criteria which includes children with social, behavioural and emotional problems, adults with physical and learning disabilities or complex medical problems and disadvantaged groups such as those whose disabilities mean that they need to be seen in a domiciliary setting. This may involve the additional use of sedation or general anaesthesia when appropriate.

We also provide an Emergency Service, IV sedation and a Minor Oral Surgery service in some of our locations.

Some of these patients may exhibit challenging behaviour. Dental HealthCare operates from several locations across Cambridge, Peterborough and Suffolk. On occasions the post holder may at times be expected to cover sickness/holiday at another location within a reasonable distance from your base.

Responsibility for the efficient and smooth day to day running of the surgery involving good dexterity skills and accuracy during procedures for the mixing of materials and the handling of fine instruments.

Use judgmental and analytical skills to anticipate the needs of clinicians and patients. Be prepared for any eventuality e.g., changes in planned treatment, medical emergencies, and act promptly to deal with these.Maintenance of stock levels, re-ordering as necessary.

Have a good knowledge of all dental equipment, its uses and its basic maintenance e.g., chair and suction units, sterilizers, handpieces, etc.Have sound knowledge of the decontamination and sterilisation procedures in line with HTM01-05

Provide administrative and nursing support when requested for organising and delivering epidemiology survey.

Carry out extended duties within your scope of practice.

Reception cover/administrative duties when required.

Interpreting as necessary the needs of both patients and clinicians enabling situations to be dealt with promptly and efficiently.

Administrative management of day surgery general anaesthetic lists, including booking appointments and ensuring all necessary paperwork is complete. Liaise with day surgery staff, problem solving. Attend and ensure the smooth running of the list, setting up and clearing away and assisting the dentist.

Most of our patients require a lot of emotional support to persuade them to accept treatment. It must be recognised that anxiety can often be displayed as aggression.

Knowledge of computer use is essential for input of patient data, treatment planning, payment transactions and other services.

Collection of charges as appropriate.

Cashing up/banking, recording all necessary details

Collating petty cash

On occasions, work independently managing the department administration and giving appropriate advice when necessary.

Always maintain patient confidentiality

Contribute to the Trusts internal communication strategies ensuring effective two-way communication and engagement within the organisation.

Contribute to the Trusts external communication strategies working with the Head of Communications to raise awareness and promote the reputation of the Trusts services.

Adhere to all Trust/local policies and procedures

Liaise and communicate with patients, carers, healthcare professionals, laboratory personnel, other departments, management teams etc.

Liaising with external organisations hospitals, laboratories, contractors when require

Knowledge of computer use is essential for input of patient data, treatment planning, payment transactions and other services.

Pro-active in collecting patient feedback after each patient interaction.

Always maintain patient confidentiality

Contribute to the Trusts internal communication strategies ensuring effective two-way communication and engagement within the organisation.

Contribute to the Trusts external communication strategies working with the Head of Communications to raise awareness and promote the reputation of the Trusts services.

Ordering of stationery, materials and equipment, maintaining in-house stock control within own capabilities.Handles cash from sale of oral hygiene products and patient income.

Supports colleagues, trainees, and agency staff to ensure that they are able to carry out their day-to-day duties.

Supports local induction and training for new and existing staff members.

Act as a buddy for new members of the team and support less experienced members of the team, including coaching/mentoring.

Maintaining own professional development and requirement to take part in appraisal and KSF process and clinical and/or management supervision.

Observe and maintain strict confidentiality with regards to any patient/family/staff/records and information in line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act and CCS policy.

Any data that is taken/shared as part of a phone call or transported, faxed or transferred electronically must be undertaken with regard to the Trust Information Governance and Information Security policies.

The post holder must adhere to the Trust risk assessment and risk management processes.

The post holder must adhere to infection control policies and procedures.

It is a condition of your employment that you are currently registered with GDC and it is your responsibility to maintain your professional registration.

Other duties that may be determined by the Team Lead/Practice Manager or management team.

Safeguarding people responsibility

Safeguarding children and adults at risk of abuse or neglect is a collective responsibility.

There is an expectation that all staff develop and maintain their role relevant safeguarding people competencies and comply with local safeguarding partnerships practice. Alongside this employee who are registrants are reminded of their professional duty of care.

Safeguarding means protecting a citizens health, wellbeing and human rights; enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. It is an integral part of providing high-quality health care.

Those most in need of protection include: Children and young people Adults at risk, such as those receiving care in their own home, people with physical, sensory and mental impairments, and those with learning disabilities.

The post holder must at all times carry out his/her duties with regard to Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust Equal Opportunities Policy.

To be aware of the responsibilities of all employees to maintain a safe and healthy environment for patients, visitors and staff.

All post holders must adhere to the code of conduct on confidentiality and be aware of and adhere to all Trust policies and procedures.

This job description is intended only as a guide to the range of duties involved. The post holder will need to be flexible and adaptable in order to respond to other duties that may be required from time to time and the changes and developments within the Trust.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions) Order 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure of Barring Service to be made to check for any previous criminal convictions. Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust is committed to the fair treatment of its staff, potential staff, or users in line with its equal opportunities policy and policy statement on the recruitment of ex-offenders.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Post holder must hold the National Certificate for Dental Nurses/ or the equivalent.
• GCSE, English and maths grade C/4 and above.
• The post holder must be registered with the General Dental Council.

Desirable

• Qualification in Radiography
• Qualification in Dental Sedation

Experience

Essential

• To be able to deal with difficult situations/patients under pressure within a very busy service.

Desirable

• Post Holder must have sound knowledge and experience of working within an NHS Practice /Service

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

• Excellent communication/interpersonal skills.
• Effectively prioritises and co-ordinates own work.
• Work flexibly as part of a team.
• Advanced keyboard skills, ability to communicate through IT systems using packages such as Word, excel and Dentally clinical system.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust

Address

Dental Healthcare Huntingdon

Clinic 5, Treatment Centre , Hinchingbrooke Hospital

Huntingdon

PE29 6NT

Employer's website

https://www.cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk/careers (Opens in a new tab)